A neighborhood block party is the setting for this spot-on tale of friendship and togetherness. “The first Sunday in June,” Singer writes, “the sun comes up smiling on Berkeley Place.” On the page opposite, a little girl lies in bed, sunlight streaming through the open window. Later, in a full-bleed spread, the girl, Lola, peeks out her window. Outside, neighbors inflate balloons and set up games. Her friends drag jump ropes down the street. “ ‘Isn’t Lola going to join us?’ asks Yasmin. ‘Maybe, if she ever stops being mad,’ answers Sue.” Roth’s airy watercolors depict a diverse cast of characters dancing, drumming, and lounging in lawn chairs. Shifting perspectives—first from the windowsill, then street level—mimic Lola’s movements, as she gets over hurt feelings and moves closer to her friends. It’s just a matter of time until the girls set aside their differences to enjoy a summertime tradition. (Picture book. 3-5)
